Quote of the day by Marcus Aurelius: “Time is a sort of river of passing events, and strong is its current; no sooner is a…”
Times of India
by TOI LIFESTYLE DESKFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic philosopher and Roman emperor, offers timeless wisdom through his reflection on time as a relentless river of events. His famous quote from *Meditations* captures the essence of life’s impermanence: “Time is a sort of river of passing events, and strong is its current; no sooner is a thing brought to sight than it is swept by and another takes its place, and this too will be swept away.” This observation underscores the fleeting nature of all experiences, urging readers to embrace change as an inevitable force of life.
Aurelius, who ruled during a period of war and social unrest in the 2nd century CE, turned to Stoic philosophy to navigate life’s challenges. His writings in *Meditations* reveal a deeply introspective mind focused on self-control, humility, and ethical living. These private reflections, never meant for publication, have become a cornerstone of spiritual and philosophical thought, offering guidance on how to live in harmony with time’s flow.
The quote’s wisdom lies in its ability to transform our perspective on success, failure, joy, and sorrow. By recognizing the transient nature of all things, Aurelius encourages letting go of attachments to outcomes and fostering emotional balance. This mindset promotes mindful living, patience during hardship, and timely action—qualities that remain relevant in today’s fast-paced world.
For readers seeking personal growth or deeper insight into life’s impermanence, Aurelius’s teachings provide a universal truth: time moves on, carrying with it every moment of our lives. His wisdom reminds us to cherish each day, find importance in the present, and approach both adversity and success with humility. In doing so, we learn to live not in fear of time, but in harmony with its natural flow.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/19/2026